Artists
BEST OF THE BEST IN THE INDUSTRY
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CHLOE ABBOTT
Grew up in New Hampshire training at New Hampshire School of Ballet. She trained in all styles of dance and competed across the United States. At 18 years old she moved to Los Angeles to pursue her dream of becoming a professional dancer, and earned her BFA in Commercial Dance and Acting. Chloe has since grown a following on TikTok and Instagram by sharing her passion and inspiring others to dance by going viral. This has led her to many professional opportunities. Her most recent credits are performing for COBRAH, becoming a Fit2Flaunt instructor, signing with Go2Talent Agency, and a national commercial. She has had the opportunity to train professionally under Kolanie Marks, Antoine Troupe, JoJo Gomez, Brian and Scott Nicholson and many more. With her versatile dance background, she offers a passionate blend of performance and technique to her teaching.
![Chloe Abbott](https://montrealheelsfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Chloe-Heels.jpg)
![Hector Lopez](https://montrealheelsfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Hector-Lopez-1024x1024.jpg)
HECTOR INVICTUS LOPEZ
Hector Lopez, a native Bronxite, graduated from Dartmouth College with a degree in Theater Studies in 2012. It was there that he began dancing, pursuing it as his career shortly after his graduation. Since then Hector has worked as a professional dancer under the choreographic direction of Yanis Marshall, Kyle Hanagami, Ashle Dawson, Luam Keflezgy, Ramon Baynes, and Yvonne Marie-Sain . His credits to date include artists such as Halsey, Prince Royce, Pabllo Vittar, and Todrick Hall as well as industrial work with Samsung, Adidas, and Moncler. With the guidance of his mentors Hector has been able to transition into teaching. Over the past three years Hector has established himself as an educator in Street Jazz, Jazz Funk, and more specifically Heels Technique.
ALI PHILLIPS
Ali Phillips is an established and experienced Dance Business Coach who began her entrepreneurial journey at the young age of 17. A passionate dancer at heart, Ali founded BAMDance - an inclusive dance organization running classes for people with disabilities which now operates in Brisbane Australia & Toronto Canada. Now 30 years of age, Ali has spent the past 13 years turning her passion into profit, fearlessly implementing innovative ideas, and coaching others to also, live their dreams.
![Ali Phillips Heels](https://montrealheelsfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Ali-Phillips-Heels.jpg)
![Monique Heels](https://montrealheelsfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Monique-Heels.jpg)
MONIQUE MANZO
Monique Manzo, a Reno, Nevada local, began her dancing career over 20 years ago. Raised in many major cities across the U.S., she pursued her passion for dance by training at studios in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, and Las Vegas, gaining a well-rounded talent and confidence. In 2017, Monique founded The Reno Empire in her hometown, creating a community of passionate dancers. Known for her sassy and feminine style, she directs two performance teams: Bachata and Heels. Her choreography includes Hip-Hop, Jazz, Latin, and Burlesque. However, Bachata holds a special place in her heart. “The first time I heard a Bachata Remix - I fell in love,” says Monique. From soft and sweet to hard-hitting and sexy, Monique tells stories through dance, emphasizing emotion and musicality. She believes in nurturing her students' strengths, helping them become confident and empowered dancers.
NANCY MARTEL
Former figure skating champion, At the age of 28, she redirected her sporting career towards dance; Heels, advertising, Burlesque, Hip hop, she specializes as artistic director of drag queen shows where she has the chance to perform on several stages from Canada to the United States. She has performed and directed shows such as Quebec, Montreal and Chicago Pride, the influencer gala, Dance World Cup Canada Showcase as well as several music videos. She has been perfecting heels for over 8 years now from L.A to Montreal, she has followed training with; Jessica Castro, Cisco, Marissa Hart, Jessica Cummings, Kaela Faloon, Kiana Smith, Brinn Nicole and many more. His style is extravagant which highlights performance and self-confidence
![NANCY MARTEL](https://montrealheelsfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/NANCY-MARTEL-1.jpg)
![Marlene Heels](https://montrealheelsfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Marlene-Heels.jpg)
MARLENE SK
Marlene Sk is more than a dancer, teacher, and choreographer, she embodies dance. Hailing from Benin, her journey led her from West Africa to France in 2000, and then to Canada in 2004. Dance has been her guiding force, connecting her to her roots and mastering various styles. In Canada, her passion flourished, embracing street dance to Latin rhythms. She has collaborated on music videos with artists like Zaho ft Sean Paul, Young Paris, Konshens, and Aiza, and starred in musicals such as In the Heights, The Chorus Line, and RENT. As a member of UMOJA, she promotes African culture through dance. Marlene's diverse experiences sparked a passion for acting, deepening her expression and connecting with audiences. For her, dance transcends movement—it's a language of connection, cultural exchange, and storytelling. Dance is her life's symphony, composed of passion, dedication, and relentless artistic pursuit.
RACHEL ROMANOSKI
Hailing from Hamilton, Ontario, Rachel Romanoski is a multifaceted Canadian artist proficient in acting, singing, dancing, choreography, and modeling. With a B.A in Performance Arts, she has showcased her talents across Ontario cities such as Hamilton, Toronto, Niagara, and Mississauga, as well as a guest artist for the 2nd Edition of the Montreal Heels Festival. Trained since age five, Rachel's expertise spans dance forms like Hip Hop, Jazz, Ballet, and more. Not only has she led Performing Art Seminars and global workshops, but she's also competed internationally, notably at World Of Dance. She's worked with artists like Reet Roy, Kaela Faloon, and Lauren Lyn, including international stars Nessa Preppy and Cocanina. Rachel passionately nurtures her students to foster confidence and self-expression. Dedicated to inspiring others, she eagerly shares her knowledge and zeal with those on similar artistic journeys.
![RACHEL](https://montrealheelsfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/RACHEL-1.jpg)
![Jessica Saunders](https://montrealheelsfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Jessica-Saunders-1024x1024.jpg)
JESSICA SAUNDERS
Jessica's passion for dance began as soon as she could walk. Starting her training at 13, she danced at reputable studios in the GTA and Toronto, including Vlads Dance Company, OIP Dance, and Industry House Studios. As a young adult, she joined The Cast in Toronto, delving into commercial styles and discovering the Heels community. She has trained under Angela Mahoney and choreographers like Kaela Faloon, Aliya Janell, and Nicole Kirkland. Jessica is the founder of Essence Movement Studio in Oshawa, Ontario, now entering its third year. Her true passion lies in teaching, where she inspires and motivates her students. With a strong technical background, she celebrates femininity and creates heart-centered, safe, and judgment-free classes, empowering dancers to feel seen, heard, and confident in their Heels and their bodies.
HEYMER ALVARADO
began his dance career in Venezuela at the age of sixteen, specializing in Cuban styles at Rumbero Academy. He then studied at the Musa School in the styles of jazz, hip hop, commercial dance and contemporary. Five years later Heymer moved to Toronto Canada where he began dancing with Cadence Dance Academy on their professional team. With Cadence, Heymer taught and performed around the world in various styles including bachata, salsa, and dancehall. Heymer continued to expand his repertoire in Toronto, training and performing in mambo with Araguacu Latin Dance Company, and in hip hop with the Vibe Exclusive. He has had the opportunity to perform with world-renowned artists, including Ozuna, Ryan Castro, J quiles, Mario Ruiz, Gloria Trevi, and a few others local artist. Film industry also has been part of his journey, being involved with movies such the slumberland with Jason Mamoa, tv shows such as The next step, Ru Paul’s drag race Canada and others. In 2018 at the age of 23, Heymer formed AmaMia Dance Company.
![HEYMER](https://montrealheelsfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/HEYMER.jpg)
![Underdog Heels](https://montrealheelsfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Underdog-Heels.jpg)
UNDERDOG
The Underdog Dance Corp. is Waterloo's first beginner-focused adult dance studio for those who "never thought they would"! If you have two left feet - we want you! We are here to meet you where you're at and help you discover a love for dance and movement. We are often described as Waterloo's most inclusive, encouraging, and friendly space, as well as a "second home" for many of our students. Our studio values are safety, inclusivity, and respect. Lauren Keating (Underdog) Born and raised in the Kitchener-Waterloo Region, Lauren leads the Heels and Chair Dancing programs at the Underdog Dance Corp. Lauren’s passion for Heels and Chair Dancing sparked in university when she took her first Heels class, “It was my first time experiencing an environment where I wasn’t only permitted to embrace my sexier side, but was encouraged to embrace my femininity as a source of strength, creativity and power. Ever since, I’ve been addicted to creating this same atmosphere for dancers of all experience levels.”
MONTREAL TWERK
Gabriela discovered twerk in 2016 and fell in love with the dance style right away! She founded her company Montreal Twerk shortly after and has since been sharing her passion with women all over Montreal. Her mission was to create a safe space and a judgment-free environment for women to connect with their bodies and explore their femininity! Her classes are an awesome mix between dancing and fitness, that will make you work out your whole body and particularly your legs and core. You will learn to move your hips and enjoy yourself to the sound of different music styles, such as hip hop, rap, dancehall, reggaeton and more.
![Montreal Twerk](https://montrealheelsfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Montreal-Twerk.jpg)